Bush May Order Everyone Injected With Smallpox Vaccine

Rense.com | 11-9-1

[Magician]

All Americans could be forced to have smallpox jabs under plans being considered by President Bush, despite fears that such a programme would kill hundreds.

Underlining White House fears about America's vulnerability to a new wave of bioterrorism, Mr Bush said that he was discussing with Tommy Thompson, the Health Secretary, whether to order mandatory vaccinations.

"One of my concerns is if we were to have universal vaccination, some might lose their life," he said. "But I'm looking at all options, all possibilities."

Authorities in the US have already announced that they intend to stockpile 300 million doses of smallpox vaccine, enough for the country's 260 million citizens. But last night was the first time that anyone had suggested they would be compulsory rather than used to cover an emergency.

Mr Bush made his remarks yesterday as he was touring the Centres for Disease Control in Atlanta, which houses one of only two officially kept samples of smallpox since the World Health Organisation declared in 1979 that the virus had been eradicated. Earlier this week scientists at the Vektor Institute in Siberia, which holds the other sample, gave warning that underpaid Russian workers could be tempted to sell the virus to terrorists.

The last case of smallpox was in 1977. The vaccine is fatal for one in a million cases.

[classygreeneyedblonde]

That's 3 million people ....it's one in a million might be allerigic to it

[KQQL]

I think something is up.

[CoolH2OH]

I'd be willing to have the vaccination.

[AlaskaErik]

And how do you force every American to get vaccinated? I sure as hell have no interest in this, the anthrax vaccine, or any other vaccination.

[crazykatz]

And, there is something like a 75% fatality rating for those who actually GET the disease....I will gladly take MY chances with the vaccine....didn't kill me the first two times I got the "scratch" on my upper arm.

[mystery-ak]

I agree, but I'll take the shot if offered.

[jackbill]

This is Horse Hockey. Last night, President Bush cautioned against a rush to vacinate people against small pox. He said that many people may die. He ain't pushing universal vacination.

[sasquatch]

Chicken Pox, Small Pox;been there; done that.
Jees; I'm pro-choice after all.
(:>

[Fred Mertz]

The vaccine is fatal for one in a million cases.

That's about 280-300 folks, if you believe the government.

[Alas]

All Americans could be forced to have smallpox jabs under plans being considered by President Bush, despite fears that such a program would kill hundreds.

And just how, might I ask are they planning on enforcing that?

Guess they could just shoot those who refuse?

Nukem

[mdittmar]

The President can't order me to do anything,I don't care who's President.

If your in the military that's a different story.

[Frohickey]

That's 3 million people ....it's one in a million might be allerigic to it

Huh?

If one in a million is allergic to it, and there are 300 million people in the US, then its 300 people that would be allergic to it. There are 278 million in the US, so that would be 278 people.

Make it voluntary, and free of charge upon showing evidence of US citizenship.

[John Jorsett]

We are so far from compulsory universal innoculations that it's not even worth worrying about. There's no evidence that terrorists are in possession of smallpox. Even if they were, modern quarantine procedures and the nature of the disease itself would assure that smallpox didn't spread much beyond the first few cases. Even if innoculations are initiated, I doubt that they could effectively be made mandatory. Christian Scientists, for one, would object and be given exemptions, so just declare yourself one of those if you have a problem with it.

[Alas]

That's about 280-300 folks, if you believe the government.

Actually I think it's closer to thirty out of 100,000.

[Miss Marple]

Those of over 35 have almost all been vaccinated once at least. This was a REQUIREMENT to be enrolled in public school, universities, going into the armed services, or going abroad. It was darn near mandatory except for a very few religious groups.

I will take the vaccination, and I will make darn sure everyone in my family gets it. Smallpox is not anything to take chances with.

[B.R. Burton]

Pro-choice? Those old vaccines aren't as effective after about 5-7 years, if I'm not mistaken.

[Sungirl]

Didn't we get it when we were babies? If it didn't kill us then...would it kill us now?

[John Jorsett]

And, there is something like a 75% fatality rating for those who actually GET the disease

More like 30%, and that's for people who go untreated. Since the vaccine can be administered even after the symptoms manifest, it would be even lower if doctors are diligent.